Digital Media in Adult and Continuing Education in Germany

Abstract

Digital media are important elements in the didactic planning and design of provisions and programmes in adult and continuing education. Based on questionnaire and interview data from organizations and umbrella organizations active in adult and continuing education in Germany, the article examines how adult educators use digital media and what reasons they give for using them. The article distinguishes between types of digital media, digital tools, and didactically structured digital media offerings. The analysis shows that educators use digital media in settings combining micro- and macrodidactics. Overall, didactic considerations are shifting more to the macrodidactic planning level, emphasizing the role of organizations and umbrella organizations. This is accompanied by changing demands on cooperation between planning staff and instructors. Moreover, the roles of staff expand and diversify with the use of digital media.